Pledger, OU comes up big vs. Austin, Baylor

Bears' Austin nets 17 points, 22 boards in loss.

Updated 12:41 am, Thursday, January 31, 2013

Oklahoma’s Amath M’Baye (top) rejects Baylor ’s A.J. Walton with two hands during the second half Wednesday. The Bears were denied their best start in conference play since 1968-69.

Oklahoma’s Amath M’Baye (top) rejects Baylor ’s A.J. Walton with two hands during the second half Wednesday. The Bears were denied their best start in conference play since 1968-69.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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3368 x 4768~~$~~Baylor center Isaiah Austin (21) comes down with a rebound in front of an Oklahoma defender in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Austin had 17-rebounds in the 74-71 Oklahoma win. less

3368 x 4768~~$~~Baylor center Isaiah Austin (21) comes down with a rebound in front of an Oklahoma defender in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Austin ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, AP

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Baylor 's A.J. Walton (22) passes the ball as Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) and Cameron Clark (21) defend in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's A.J. Walton (22) passes the ball as Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) and Cameron Clark (21) defend in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Pierre Jackson, right, comes down with a rebound in front of Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Jackson lead all scoring with 22-points in the 74-71 loss to Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Pierre Jackson, right, comes down with a rebound in front of Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Jackson ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Isaiah Austin (21) comes down with a rebound over Oklahoma 's Je'lon Hornbeak, bottom left, and Buddy Hield, center bottom, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Isaiah Austin (21) comes down with a rebound over Oklahoma 's Je'lon Hornbeak, bottom left, and Buddy Hield, center bottom, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) looks over his shoulder after being fouled by Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) looks over his shoulder after being fouled by Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. ... more

Baylor guard A.J. Walton (22) is forced to pass the ball under pressure from Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24), Steven Pledger (2) , Amath M'Baye (22), and Buddy Hield (3) in the second half of an NCAA college ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma's Amath M'Baye (22) blocks a lay-up by Baylor 's A.J. Walton (22) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma's Amath M'Baye (22) blocks a lay-up by Baylor 's A.J. Walton (22) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Isaiah Austin (21) goes up for a shot as Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24) and Amath M'Baye (22) defend in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Isaiah Austin (21) goes up for a shot as Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24) and Amath M'Baye (22) defend in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24) looks to pass the ball under pressure from Baylor 's Rico Gathers (2) and Gary Franklin (4) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24) looks to pass the ball under pressure from Baylor 's Rico Gathers (2) and Gary Franklin (4) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor head coach Scott Drew calls for a time out after an Oklahoma score late in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Baylor head coach Scott Drew calls for a time out after an Oklahoma score late in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor's Brady Heslip, left, and Pierre Jackson, defend as Oklahoma's Je'lon Hornbeak (5) finds an opening to the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor's Brady Heslip, left, and Pierre Jackson, defend as Oklahoma's Je'lon Hornbeak (5) finds an opening to the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Cory Jefferson (34) defends against a drive to the basket by Oklahoma 's Romero Osby, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Cory Jefferson (34) defends against a drive to the basket by Oklahoma 's Romero Osby, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) smiles as he runs back up court after sinking a three-point basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor's Cory Jefferson, left rear, and Pierre Jackson, right rear, are shown behind on the play. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) smiles as he runs back up court after sinking a three-point basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Deuce Bello, bottom left, and Rico Gathers, bottom right, watch as A.J. Walton, center right, struggles with Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) for control of a rebound in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. M'Baye had 20-points in the 74-71 Oklahoma win. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Deuce Bello, bottom left, and Rico Gathers, bottom right, watch as A.J. Walton, center right, struggles with Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) for control of a rebound in the second half of an NCAA ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor head coach Scott Drew reacts to play late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Baylor head coach Scott Drew reacts to play late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Baylor 's Isaiah Austin (21) attempts a shot as Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24), Buddy Hield (3) and Steven Pledger (2) defend in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) goes up for a score over Oklahoma 's Steven Pledger (2) and Buddy Hield, right, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Jackson had a team high 22-points in the 74-71 Baylor loss. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) goes up for a score over Oklahoma 's Steven Pledger (2) and Buddy Hield, right, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) knocks the ball away from Oklahoma 's Isaiah Cousins (11) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) knocks the ball away from Oklahoma 's Isaiah Cousins (11) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) attempts a three-point basket in the final seconds of the second half of an NCAA college basketball game as Oklahoma' Romero Osby (24) and Buddy Hield (3) defend Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor's Isaiah Austin (21) and Oklahoma's Amath M'Baye (22) watch in the 74-71 Baylor loss. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) attempts a three-point basket in the final seconds of the second half of an NCAA college basketball game as Oklahoma' Romero Osby (24) and Buddy Hield (3) defend Wednesday, Jan. ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's A.J. Walton (22) attempts a shot over Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's A.J. Walton (22) attempts a shot over Oklahoma 's Romero Osby (24) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) goes up for a score over Oklahoma 's Steven Pledger (2) and Buddy Hield, right, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Jackson had a team high 22-points in the 74-71 Baylor loss. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Pierre Jackson (55) goes up for a score over Oklahoma 's Steven Pledger (2) and Buddy Hield, right, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma guard Isaiah Cousins (11) has his shot blocked by Baylor center Isaiah Austin (21) with help from Rico Gathers, bottom left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma guard Isaiah Cousins (11) has his shot blocked by Baylor center Isaiah Austin (21) with help from Rico Gathers, bottom left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor guard Brady Heslip (5) defends against a shot by Oklahoma's Steven Pledger (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Baylor guard Brady Heslip (5) defends against a shot by Oklahoma's Steven Pledger (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor head coach Scott Drew reacts to play late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Baylor head coach Scott Drew reacts to play late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma's Romero Osby (24) defends as Baylor's Isaiah Austin (21) goes up for a score in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game as Baylor's A.J. Walton (22) watches Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma's Romero Osby (24) defends as Baylor's Isaiah Austin (21) goes up for a score in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game as Baylor's A.J. Walton (22) watches Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor 's Deuce Bello, bottom left, and Rico Gathers, bottom right, watch as A.J. Walton, center right, struggles with Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) for control of a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor 's Deuce Bello, bottom left, and Rico Gathers, bottom right, watch as A.J. Walton, center right, struggles with Oklahoma 's Amath M'Baye (22) for control of a rebound during the second half of an NCAA ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor fans hold a large photo cut out of head coach Scott Drew, rear, as A.J. Walton, left, and Rico Gathers, right, defend against Oklahoma 's Andrew Fitzgerald, center, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor fans hold a large photo cut out of head coach Scott Drew, rear, as A.J. Walton, left, and Rico Gathers, right, defend against Oklahoma 's Andrew Fitzgerald, center, during the second half of an NCAA ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger talks with Steven Pledger (2) during a time out in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger talks with Steven Pledger (2) during a time out in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Baylor's Deuce Bello (14) goes up for a shot as Oklahoma's Romero Osby (24) and Amath M'Baye, right, defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Bello was charged with an offensive foul on the play. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Baylor's Deuce Bello (14) goes up for a shot as Oklahoma's Romero Osby (24) and Amath M'Baye, right, defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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The Oklahoma bench and Cameron Clark (21) watch as Baylor guard Brady Heslip (5) scores on a three-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

The Oklahoma bench and Cameron Clark (21) watch as Baylor guard Brady Heslip (5) scores on a three-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Oklahoma's Steven Pledger (2) attempts to get around Baylor's A.J. Walton, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Oklahoma's Steven Pledger (2) attempts to get around Baylor's A.J. Walton, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP ... more

Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger reacts to play late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger reacts to play late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Oklahoma won 74-71. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Pledger, OU comes up big vs. Austin, Baylor

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WACO — After struggling with a new role in Oklahoma's rotation, Steven Pledger was ready Wednesday when his team needed him.

Pledger scored a season-high 20 points, including three free throws in the final 17 seconds, to help seal the Sooners' 74-71 victory over Baylor.

After leading the Sooners in scoring last season, Pledger has struggled, with his scoring average plummeting to 9.8 points per game in Big 12 play this season.

“It feels great to give my teammates confidence and let them know I can still play and do things I've been doing,” Pledger said.

OU (14-5, 5-2 Big 12) blistered Baylor by shooting 52.7 percent. It was the highest opponent's shooting percentage against the Bears this season.

“At the end of the day, they ran their offense better and we didn't defend it well,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “We've got to get a lot better at guarding.”

Amath M'Baye added 20 points and seven rebounds, and Romero Osby had 11 for the Sooners, who climbed into a three-way tie for second place behind Kansas with Baylor (14-6, 5-2) and Kansas State.

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The Bears made a frantic comeback after falling behind 52-36 with 12:30 left, and the Sooners seemed safe with a 67-56 lead after Pledger's three-point play with 2:45 left.

But Baylor stormed back to score 10 straight points, capped by a tip-in from A.J. Walton that pulled them within 67-66 with 1:33 remaining.

After Pledger's two foul shots boosted OU to a 74-71 lead with eight seconds left, Baylor had one more chance.

But Pierre Jackson and Brady Heslip missed 3-point attempts in a final possession as the Bears' three-game winning streak came to an end.

OU's victory came despite a monster performance from Baylor freshman Isaiah Austin, who produced 17 points and 22 rebounds. It was the most rebounds by a Big 12 player this season and most by a Bears player since Jerome Lambert grabbed 22 against SMU in 1994.

“It really doesn't matter because we lost,” Austin said.

Jackson scored a game-high 22 points for Baylor, which was denied a chance for its fastest start in conference play since Bill Menefee's team began 6-1 in the Southwest Conference in 1968-69.